Kendrick Lamar is rapper from Compton, California. The thing that you have to keep in mind about this album is this is the most unapologetically "black" aligned rap I've ever heard. Tupac had more tact... Kanye has more tact. (Yes, I said it). If you can keep an open mind, you can appreciate his finesse talent and creativity. He calls attention to social issues that most people may have missed, ("The heart part 5" for example). There's an Eminem style showing-off in a lot of these songs, but his love for urban hip hop culture gives this album a legitimacy and authenticity that his fans have come to listen for.